French C.1830 Infantry Officer’s Smallsword

An excellent French C.1820 Infantry Officer's Smallsword.

This French c.1820 Infantry Officer's Smallsword has attractive and ornate gilt brass decoration to the hilt featuring the French national cockerel symbol to both the pommel and shell guard. There is also a neo-classical bust in relief to the knuckle bow. The hilt has mother of pearl slab grips. The blade is of triangular form and with engraved decoration. This sword would have been carried by a French infantry officer during the reign of King Louis Philipe I (1830-1848). An almost identical sword can be found on page 399 of Jean Lhoste's book - Epees - Portees en France Des Origines a Nos Jours - see images from the book below.